Bonding machine and method



July 27, 1937. D. BELCHER ET AL BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD l4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 15, 1935 July 27,1937. 7 D. BELCHER ET AL 2,083,228

I BONDING MACHI NE AND METHOD Filed July 15, 1935 14 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 27, 1937. n. BELCHER ET AL 2,988,228

' BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 15,. 1935 14 Sheets-Sheet s July 27, 1937. D. BELCHER ET AL BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 15, 1935 14 Sheets-Shes: 4

July 27, 1937.

D. BELCHER ET AL BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD 14 She ets-Sheet 5 FIG] 2. 1

Filed July 15, 1935 iii FIG 8 2 WEEK July 27, 1937. D. BELCHER ET AL 2,088,228

BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 15, 1955 14 Sheets-Sheet 6 i FIG.I4.

July 27,1931, D. BELHER Em. 2,088,228

BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 15, 1935 14 Sheets-Sheet ,7

Flcil July 27, 1937. D. BELCHER ET AL BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 15, 1935 14 Sheets-Sheet 8 July 27, 1937. n. BELCHER ET AL 2,088,228

sonpme mcnmm AND METHOD Filed July 15, 1955 1'4 Sheets-Sheet '9 PIC-3.19.

y 1937- V D. BELHE ET AL 20%,22

BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 15, 1955 14 Sheets-Sheet 1o July 27, 1937. D. B ELCHER ET AL 2,038,228

BONDING MACHINE AND METHQD Filed July 15, 1955 14 Sheets-Sheet 11 July 27, 1937. D. BELCHER ET AL BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD l4 Sheets-Sheet 12 Filed July 15, 1955 FIG.36.

July 27, 1937. D. BELCHER ET AL 2,088,223

BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed'July 15. 1935 14 Sheets-Sheet 13 July 27, 1937. D. BELCHER ET AL 2,088,228

I BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed huly 15, 1955' 14 Sheets-Sheet 14 FIG-37.

Patented July 27, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFKIE BONDING MACHINE AND METHOD Missouri Application July 15, 1935, Serial No. 31,330

55 Claims.

' This invention relates to a bonding machine and method, and with regard to certain more specific features to automatic apparatus for making paper bags and the like. 5 Among the several objects of the invention -may be noted the provision of a method and means for manufacturing a bag which may avoid the formation of lateral outside creases in performing the operations necessary for carrying out formation of the bag; the provision of apparatus of the class described which avoids the necessity of making the bag by manual means in order to avoid said outside crease; and the provision of fully automatic apparatus of this. class which is relatively compact and simple and highspeedin operation, and which is readily adjustable to accommodate bags of various widths, lengths, weights and materials. Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations of elements, features of construction, arrangements of parts, steps and sequence of steps which will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which is illustrated one of various possible general embodiments of the invention, with certain alternative details,

Fig. 1 is a plan view ofthe machine;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal section showing details of a feed mechanism;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken on line 44 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 4; a

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a paper tube showing the results of a slitting operation thereon, said operation being performed on the apparatus shown in Figs. 3 to 5, or alternatively in Figs. 35 and 36; I

Fig. 7 is an enlarged section-of a revolving, tube-supporting spider, said section being a continuation to the left of the section shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of certain bag positioning apparatus, the view being taken normally to the line 88 on Fig. 7, a certain shoe I13 and shaft I69 being broken away;

Fig. 9 is a vertical section taken on line 99 .13 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a lateral section taken on line Ill-l0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a vertical section taken on line ll ll of Fig. 9;

' "Fig. 12 is a plan view of certain bag opening apparatus, the view being taken normally to line l2-l2 of Fig. '7;-

Fig. 13 is a vertical section taken on line l3-I3 of Fig. 7; v

Fig. 14 is a plan view of certain hold-down means, the view being taken normally to line l4--I4 of Fig. '7;

Fig. 15 is a trimetric view of a tube in its condition as it reaches a glue applicator;

Fig. 16 is a vertical section taken on line Iii-l6 of Fig. 1, showing said glue applicator;

Fig. 17 is a view similar -to- Fig. 16 showing an alternative position of parts;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary' detail showing, under certain conditions of operation, a certain separation of drive gears for the applicator of Figs. 16 and 17;

Fig. 19 is a vertical section taken on line i-9--I9 of Fig. 16;

Fig. 20 is a bottom plan view of a partly finished bag showing a .glue pattern impressed thereon as it leaves the glue applicator;

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary section of certain stationary and movable jaws, including a partly finished tube therebetween as it comes from the glue applicator;

Fig. 22 is a trimetric view of a scoring block;

Fig. 23'is-a view similar to Fig. 20 showing where certain first creases are applied;

Fig. 24 is a vertical section taken on line 2424 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 25 is a horizontal half-section taken on line 25-25 of Fig. 24;

Fig. 26 is a vertical section similar to the one shown in Fig. 9 but in an advanced position so as to show the operation of a first fold-over at its respective cam station;

Fig. 27 is a view similar to Fig. 23 but showing the partly finished bag 'as it leaves the first fold-over cam station;

Fig. 28 is a view similar to Fig. 26 showing the parts advanced. to a last creaser mechanism and tube release station;

Fig. 29 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 28 showing a further advance in parts;

Fig. 30 is a horizontal section taken on line 3030 of Fig. 29;

Fig. 31 is a fragmentary detail showing means for minutely adjusting the timing of the lastcreaser mechanism;

tube blank on thesame face as the tab 3.

Fig. 32 is a vertical section taken on line 32-32 of Fig. 29;

Fig. 33 is a view similar to Fig. 2'7 but showing in dotted lines a final creasing;

Fig. 34 is a view similar to Fig. but showing a finally glued and creased bag ready for delivery to the drying and pressing belts shown in Figs. 1 to 3;

Fig. 35 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 1 showing the re-location of certain cutters, and means for causing a forming or paster blade to eifect the added function of initially positioning the tube;

Fig. 36 is a plan view of. the parts of Fig. 35, being taken normally to line 36--36 on Fig. 35;

Fig. 37 is a view similar to Fig. 32 but showing an alternative form of thelast creaser mecha- Final bag product (Fig. 34)

The bag herein referred to is of the so-called satchel type. It is preferably, though not necessarily, of a .type wherein the bottom is not folded back against the body of the bag but extends symmetrically endwise therefrom. There is a central bottom crease but no outside,'lateral crease. It is to be notedthat a bag may be made on this machine with the bottom folded against the side by eliminating the creasing operation illustrated in Fig. 33.

Antecedent tubular blanks (Fig. 6, without slits) The material for making the bags is in the form of a blank paper tube pre-cutto suitable lengths I, each length having extended from one end of one side a tab 3. Each length I has a corresponding recess 5 in the opposite end of the The tab 3 of each blank has been cut from the recess 5 of another blank. The recess serves as a means for initiating subsequent bag opening. The blank I is glued at a side seam 1.

Operations to be performed (Figs. 6, 9, 15, 20, 2.3,v

27, and 33) The operations to be performed on said blank i by the machine herein described may be briefly summarized as follows:

.1. longitudinally slitting the tubular blank at the end which is to become the bottom of the bag (see muneral 9, Fig. 6) to provide side flaps ii and I3, leading and trailing respectively (see also Fig. 15) and end flaps l5;

2. Bend (not crease) over the entire slitted end (Fig. 9);

3. Grip the tab 3 of the leading flap II, the same leading with respect to the direction of said bending (Fig. 9);

4. Bend back the trailing flap l3 (without the tab 3), thus forming the blank into a general T-shape and substantially flattening the bottom, the end flaps l5 turning inwardly.(Fig. 15)

5. Apply a U-shape l1 of adhesive to the leading side flap II and end flaps l5 (Fig.

6. Crease or score the end flaps l5 and side flaps ll, i3 as at l9 to define the bottom of the bag (Fig. 23);

- in the grooves 5|.

9..Crease or score the folded side flaps I I, I3

and end flaps I 5 in the plane of the flat tube as at 20 (Figs. 33 and 34); and, 10. Flatten the finished bags and stack them.

Receiving and delivery table (Figs. 1-5) Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2. there is shown at numeral 2| a frame having a bracket 23 upon which is formed a horizontal receiving table and which frame 2| carries bearings 21 for a rotating spider assembly 29- The spider 29 carries a main gear 3| outside of said frame 2|, this gear being driven by means .of a suitable pinion 35 from a motor drive 33.

The direction of motion of the gear 3| is counterclockwise, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

A countershaft 31 in the frame 2| is driven from said main gear 31 by means of the intermediate pinion 39 and gear 4|, and delivers its motion to a shaft 43 by means of a chain drive 45. The shaft 43 drives cutter rolls 41 upon each of which rolls 41 is mounted a thin cutter knife 49 of limited arcuate span. Each knife 49 passes through a groove 5| in a rotatable roller 53 for obtaining a cutting action upon material which passes between the pairs of rolls 41 and 53. Rolls 53 contact rolls 41 and are driven by gears GI and 62 (Fig. 5).

The table 25 is provided with a central slot 55 within which travels the upper reach of a chain .51, the latter carrying three lugs 59. The lugs project upwardly from said slot 55 as they traverse the same. The chain 51 is driven from a gear 6| keyed to said shaft 43 (Fig. 5), said gear 6| driving a shaft 61 by means of a gear train 69. The train 59 is arranged to cause the shaft 61 to move counterclockwise so as to drive the chain 51 in a direction to forwardly feed blanks which are laid on the table 25 sending them into position between the pairs of rolls 41 and 53. Suitable supporting sprockets 1| are associated with the chain 51.

In order that the flat, papertube blanks may be properly guided as the lugs 59 push them successively forwardly, adjustable guides 13 are used on said table'25. As shown in Fig. 1, the slot 55 is not symmetrical with respect to the guides 13, so that the lugs 59 will not contact tabs3, (Fig. 6) but will contact next to them. It is to be understood that the blanks (without the slits 9 in them) are positioned successively on the table 25 and because of the successive advance of lugs 59, are successively fed between the pairs of rolls 41 and 53. It is further to be understood that the timing of the shaft 43 and of the shaft 61 is such that as the'forward and central portions of the blanks pass between the pairs of rolls 41 and 53, the cutters 49 are not By the time that the rear portions of the blanks are between the pairs of rolls 41 and 53, the knives 49 advance into the grooves 5| to cut the slits 9. It will be apparent that by relatively adjusting the lugs 59 with respect to the blades 49, slits 9 'may be cut to various lengths. Relative adjustments may be effected by the frictional clamp 15 on the last gear of the train 69 (Fig. 5). From the above it will be seen that after passage between the rolls 41 and 53, a slitted tube is obtained, as shown in Fig. 6.

The next problem is to suitably mount the successive tube blanks thus formed in suitable position in said spider 29. This is accomplished by means of an oscillating-table 11 pivoted at 19 to the bracket 23 and carrying on sprockets 8I a chain 83. The chain 83 carries a single lug which cooperates within a groove 81 in a raised portion 89 of the oscillating table 11. The raised portion 89 of the table is supported on blocks 9|. This table 11 also carries adjustable guides 93 having functions analogous to the guides 13. Rolls 63 draw the blanks of Fig. 6 to the oscillating table 11, the rolls being driven through a train 65.

The chain 83 is driven from its right-hand (Fig. 3) sprocket BI by a gear drive 91 from said gear 0 I. Inasmuch as the final gear of this drive is on the same center as the pivotal center of the table 11, said table may be oscillated without interfering with the driving action.

Oscillation is obtained by the action of a cam 99 which is mounted on said countershaft 31..

This cam 99 oscillates a spring-returned bell crank lever ml which, through a connecting rod I03 to the table 11, controls the latter to oscillate up and down from the dotted-line. position of' Fig. 3 to the solid-line position shown. The purpose of this oscillation'is to have the off-take end of the oscillating table 11 travel with the ends I of certain pairs I05 of pockets III on the spider 29, successive oscillations of the table 11 coninciding with successive passages of successive pockets. Thus successive slitted blanks are fed from the oscillating table 11 into successive pockets I05, the slitted ends extending from the pockets.

Adjustable receiving pockets and clamping jaws (Figs. 7,9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 21, and 28) The spider 29 is shown per se in Fig. '7 and comprises a set of stationary jaws I01 which rotate counterclockwise (Fig. 7) and lead certain movable jaws I09. Behind the jaws I01, I09 are located said pairs I05 of pockets III. Each memberof each pair I05 consists of a strip III of U shaped section, having a flared outer mouth II3 (Figs. 9 and 11). Each pocket carries bearings 'II5 whichride freely on cross guides II1. Each pocket-member I II also carries a control nut II!) with which cooperates a lead screw I2 I the latter having rightand left-hand threads respectively for engaging respective ones of said nuts- I I9, so that bya given rotation of the lead screw I2I,

the respective pockets of a pair may be-adjusted for greater or less bag widths.

In order that adjustments of the pockets for bag widths may be carried on simultaneously throughout all of the six pairs on thespider 29, each lead screw I2I is provided with an endwise gear I23. This gear I23 is shown in Figs. 7, 11, 16, 1'7, and 24, and is controlled through an idler I25 from a main adjusting gear I21 which is adapted to be locked to the spider 29 by means of an index locking gear 66 (Figs. 8 and 24) also.

carried by the spider 29. The index locking gear 66 is provided with suitable spanner-wrench, adjusting holes I33. It will be appreciated that the six gear trains I23, I25 are associated with the common gear I21. The gear I 21 normally turns with the spider 29 and in essence, merely forms i a mechanical connection between all of the gears I23, I25. Gear 66 is adapted to be locked after an adjustment is made by means of suitable tapered, pull-up device I29 thereon so that a given manual adjustment is maintained (with certain exceptions to be hereinafter described).

' I25 (Figs. 7, 9, 11, 16, and 17).

Exceptions mentioned in the last paragraph above come about by reason of the gears I23 and the adjusting lead screws I 2|. The screws I2l are mounted in frames I3I which are the supports for the movable jaws I09, said frames I3I being pivoted on the same centers as the gears It will thus be seen that whenever a frame I3I rocks to provide motion for a movable jaw I09, that the respective gear I23 has a planetary action with respect to its'then fixed gear I25. Gear I25 cannot move at this time because gear I21 is locked by gear 96. This planetary action when the jaw I09 opens is adapted, through the respective lead screw I2I to cause the momentary separation of the pockets III, as when said pockets get into the dotted-line position shown in Fig. 3. Then, when the respective jaw I09 later closes, as for the reasons to be described, the pockets draw closer together. .This action permits of a slight variation in bag widths and insures an easy from carrying a follower I31 (Figs. 9 and 11) 5 for contacting'with a stationary cam I39 on the side frame 2|, so that as the spider 29 rotates,

the follower I31 traverses the cam I39 to cause a suitable oscillation of theframe I3I and hence a suitable movement of the respective, trailing, movable jaw I09. The cam I39 is so designed that the opening action desired occurs at the time that the pairs I05 of receiving pockets III. reach the dotted-line position shown in Fig. 3. Then the respective movable jaw I09 opens and closes as the respective receiving region is traversed. During this time (as the jaw I09 opens and closes) the said temporary spreading action of the pockets III takes place.

Depth of entry adjustment (Figs. 7, 9, 10, and 11) As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the depth of entry of the blanks into their respective pockets is ad justable. This is accomplished in each segment of the machine by means of a rack I4I slidable in guides I43 (Figs. 9 and '10), the latter being associated with the frame I3I. The rack I4I carries a removable stop I45 for the shorter lengths of blanks. The rack MI is controlled by a meshed pinion I41 on' a shaft I49. Shaft I49 reaches outwardly of the frame I3I to a gear I-5I which is connected to a main adjusting gear 553 through an intermediate idler gear I55. Like the gear I21, the gear I53 .normally moves with the spider 29 and is held in a given position by means of-an indexing and locking gear I51 (Figs. 12 and 28). The-gear I51 is locked by means of a taper, pull-up device I59 and is provided with spanner-wrench-engaging adjusting holes I5I. Thus there is provided a common means for adjusting the effective depths of all pockets III.

In order to accommodate various lengths of longer blanks, the stops I45 may be removed and use may be made of deeper stops I63 at the lower ends of the racks MI. Thus two ranges of adjustments are available for bag lengths. The adjustment, as in the case of the lateral pocket adjustment, is also subject to planetary action of the gear I I about gear I55 (Fig. 24). Inasmuch as the gear I5I is on the shaft I49 and shaft I49 controls the action of pinion I41 (Figs. and there will be a movement of the rack I4! together with the stops I45 and I63 upwardly each time that the jaws I01, I09 close, and a recession each time that they open. The advantage of this is that at high speeds the blanks in being thrown against the stops I45 or I63, tend to bounce away, and this epicyclic take-up assures a final accurate positioning of the bag extensions from the jaws I01 and I09.

From the above it is evident that as the receiving pockets III approach the dotted-line position shown in Fig. 3, the respective jaws I09 open away from the jaws I01 to expose the said pockets I I I mounted on the frames I3I that carry the jaws I09. At the same time the pockets III temporarily separate and the table 11 is depressed. At this time a bag slips off the table 11 and into the members III as the table and the pockets rise. When the table reaches a level position, the jaws begin to close and the pocket members III approach one another. It will be understood that the bags accurately seat on one or the other of the stops I45 or I63. Thus each bag is accurately positioned in a radial direction and is clamped behind the rearward slitted end by meansof the jaws I01, I09 (see dotted lines A, Fig. 7

Laying over the blank (Figs. 79, 13)

An extension I65 from the frame 2| supports a gear train I61 and a cross shaft I69 driven thereby. The train I61 is driven from the main gear 3|. A bail I1I is mounted on the shaft I69 and is revolved thereby in the clockwise direction indicated in Fig. '7, the same coming tangent to closed jaws I01, I09, as they pass. The gear train I61 has such a value that the bail I1I has a highspeed motion and is so timed that an arcuate shoe cross piece I13 of the bail reaches its tangent position to the closed jaws I01, I09 as they pass. Inasmuch as the jaws are carrying a bag (dotted lines, A, Fig. 7), the bail I1I strikes the bag extension from the rear and lays it over forwardly in the direction of motion of the spider 29 (see Fig. 9). This has the effect of laying the slitted end of the bag down upon the stationary jaw I01. As the edges of the jaws I01 and I09 are relieved by rounded portions I15, the bag is not bent. creased or otherwise permanently deformed where laid over.

Tab gripper (Figs. 7-9, 12, 13, 16, and 24) Before the bail I'II leaves the position shown in Fig. 9, a tab gripper I11 is caused to advance to hold the tab 3 as shown in Fig. 12. Each gripper I11 is mounted on a cross shaft I19, the latter being rotatable in bearings I8I aifixed on an adjusting ring I83 which is slidably mounted on the spider 29 (see Fig. 13) and is held in a given adjustment by means of slots I82 and holding screws I84.

From each shaft I19 extends an arm I81 which car ies a spring-returned follower I89 cooperating with a fixed cam I9I. The cam I9I is so positioned and formed that as the bail I1I leaves the turned-over bag extension, the gripper I11 comes down upon the tab 3 so as to hold the bag in position (Fig. 9) until later released (Fig. 24).

By adjusting the ring I83, various extensions vbag flap II.

of bags from the spider may be accommodated. The peripheral width of the fixed jaws I01 is such as to accommodate these various extensions.

Partially arranging the bag flaps (Figs. 12 and 13) It will be seen that when a tab 3 is gripped, this has the effect of holding down the forward The rearward bag. flap I3 tends to spring up slightly, in the case of many bags, thus tending (but not completing) the drawing in of the side portions to effect the flap formation I5, I5. In order that this process may be definite, an air blast pipe I93 is located as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The air blast emanating from the nozzle I95 in part I93 is directed into the semiopen tube end and blows back the rear flap I3.

Flattener and first holder for bag flaps (Figs. 7, 13, 14, and 15) As the forwardly bent and open tube end advances in the face of blast (Fig. 13), it approaches certain first, hold-down and positioning strips I 91. These strips I91 present a barrier, which as the trailing flap I3 approaches the same causes said flap I3 to be turned back. Backward bending of the flap I3 causes the side flaps I5 to tend to be pulled in as shown in Fig. 13. The further back that the slot I3 is bent, the more said slots I5 are pulled in until they tend to approach the position shown in Fig. 15. However, the ideal condition of Figure 15 is not reached until the end flaps I5 pass under tucking rolls I99. The rollers I99 and positioning strips I91 are adjustable.

Second holder for the arranged bag flaps (Figs. 7, 14, 15, and 16) After the blanks pass the tucking rolls I99, they are driven under a set of second hold-down bars I, peripherally mounted about the spider 29. A mounting rod for bars MI is shown at numerals 203. As shown in Fig. 14, said second ho1d-down bars 20I are spaced from one another and are laterally controllable in position by means of a rightand left-hand lead screw 205 under control of a handwheel 206. The lead screw is mounted in the side frame 2I, as are the guide supports 203. The hold-down bars 20I maintain the conformation of the tube about as shown in Figs. 14 and 15 after it leaves the tucking rolls I99, said conformation being continued until a point B (Fig. 7) is reached.

Adhesive applicator (Figs. 7 and 16-20) Before the blanks leave their positions under the bars 20I, a glue-applying station is traversed. This station comprises a glue reservoir 201 carrying suitable glue and into which dips a pickup roll 209 driven by a gear 2 and removable idler 2I3, the latter meshing with a gear 2I5. The gear 2I5 is fastened to shaft 23I and the shaft extends outside of the frame 2| where it is provided with a gear 249 which meshes with main gear 3|.

The idler 2I3 carries a transfer roll 2I1 which contacts the pickup roll 209 and is adapted to deliver a sheet of glue to the U-shaped surface of an applicator roll 2I8. The said U-shaped surface is formed by means of bars 2I9 which are adjustable and replaceable by similar ones of various lengths to accommodate various bags. The shaft which carries the applicator roll 2I8 is mounted in a swingable frame MI.

The gear 249 which also is swinging is driven from the main gear 3| at all positions of frame 22! and gear 2l5 drives gear H3 in all these positions. The shaft 223 to which the frame 22! is fastened, is rotatably held in the side frame 2!. 'There is also a swingable arm 225 freely borne, on shaft 223 having a follower 221 which engages with a cam 229 fastened to the shaft 23!. The shaft 23'! supports both the gear 2l5 and the applicator roll 2|8.

- As the applicator shaft23! is driven, there is a tendency for the arm 225 to be moved counterclockwise (Fig. 16) under action of cam 229. A spring 233 connects the frame 22! and the arm 225 (Fig. 19) and normally biases the arm to force the follower 221 against the cam 229. Thus under normal operation, the arm 225 is intermittently swung counter-clockwise and returned clockwise as the applicator roll 2! 1 rotates, this action being due to the operation of cam 229 on the follower 221. As the applicator roll 2!1 rotates, the U-shaped member 2!9 applies a U- shaped'impression of glue to the end slots !5 and the forward slots as shown in Figure 20.

Detector mechanism for adhesive applicator (Figs. 16-19) It may sometimes occur that in a given set of jaws I91, !09, a bag is missing. It would not be desirable to have the applicator 2|9 apply glue to the working parts of the machine not covered bya blank. In order to prevent this, a detector finger 235 cooperates with a peripheral slot 231 which traverses the outermost surfaces of all parts associated with the rotating spider 29. When a bag blank is in position, this slot is partially covered by the turned-down end of the blank. detector finger 235, the finger will be raised out of the slot 231. The finger 235 controls a cross shaft 236 having thereon a crank 239, controlling a connecting rod 24!, and latch arm 243. The latch arm 243 interlocks with a. notch 245 on the lever 225 when the finger 241 of the latch is up; detector 235 down (Fig. 17). Thus, if a bag is missing, the detector finger 235 remains down and the latch finger 241 remains up so that when the cam 229 tends to drive the arm 225 to the right (Fig. 17) under action of follower 221, a reaction will be set up so that, instead of the arm 225 swinging to the right as in Fig. 16, the frame 22! will swing to the left. This raises the applicator, as shown in Fig. 17, so that it clears the machine parts and separates the applicator 2 I 9 from roll 2 !-1, thus preventing an over-charge of adhesive on the first successive blanks. When a blank is inposition the detector 235 is raised and hence depresses interlock finger 241 to permit arm 225 to rock, thus avoiding the reaction for lifting the frame 22!.

In view ofthe fact that the parts connected with the frame'22! are relatively heavy, the friction between the latch 241 and notch 245 is great enough that the strength of the paper blank which touches the detector finger 235 may not be enough to open the latch. For this reason,

an extension 246 is provided from the latch 241 with which cooperates a cam 248 carried on the shaft 234. The parts 246 and 248 cooperate once per revolution, just before a blank approaches the detector 235 (provided the blank is present).

This means that if there had been an interlocking arrangement, due tothe previously missing blank. the linkage 239 24!, 241 will be rendered free of the weight of the frame 22!, so that the approaching blank, may readily hold it free. On the other hand, if no blank is in position to ad- Thus, when the bag approaches thevance, the detector finger 235 will descend to set the latch 241 back into interlocked position with the latch 245.

When the frame 22! is lifted, the clearance between gears 249 and 3| is increasedbut they do not unmesh. Thus the timing is never interfered with by the detector action.

In order to obtain an accurate application of glue, the applicator roll 209 is made adjustable as indicated at 2 I 9. On the outside of the frame, the shaft 223 isprovided with an arm carrying an adjusting screw 253 which bears against the frame 2|. Thus the applicator roll 2I8 may be adjusted in or out in its relationship to the passing blanks. From the above it will be seen that the form of Fig. 20 is obtained wherein the U-shaped swath of glue has been applied. This is the condition .of the blank when it leaves the glue applicator station and approaches point B (Figs. 16 and 17).

Double creaser (Figs. 7, 8, 21-24 and 34) The next operation consists in applying the creases !9 shown in Fig. 23. It is to be understood that the creases !9 are not such as will appear on the side of the bag, but are those shown in Fig. 34 at the lower end of the bag. Provision is made for this operation by providing the ends of the jaws I91, I99 with creaser block inserts 255 (Fig. 22). The inserts 255 are held in recesses 251 and are reversible therein, both end-for-end and/or top-for-bottom. Holding screws 259 cooperate with centrally located threaded holes 26! in the creaser blocks. Equivalent quick-change holding means may be used. Each block 255 is provided with one set of longitudinally arranged grooves 263 which are non-symmetrically arranged with respect to the screw holes, so that only by reversing .a block 255 end-for-end, different relative positions of the grooves 263 are obtained. On the opposite side of the block 255 is a second set of non-symmetrically arranged grooves 265. These grooves 265 are gaged at different distances from the block edges than the set 263, thus providing a still greater variety on the possible positions of grooves.

The purpose of the grooves 263 or 265, in general, is to cooperate with creaser blades 26'! (Figs. 24 and 25) which are adjustably clamped to a cross shaft 269 borne in crossheads 21! of lateral guide slots 213 in the frame 2!. The guide slots 213 are enclosed endvvise 'by caps 215 which by a connecting link 263. Springs 285 normallypress the crossheads 21! forwardly so that the shaft 269 with-its creaser blade 261 is pressed forwardly.

Operation of the lever 219 results in withdrawal of the creaser blades backwardly, against the action of springs 285. The purpose of the withdrawal is to permit of freely adjusting the relative angular positions of the blades 261. The shaft 269 isno'rmally driven from the main gear 3! by means of a gear 281 when the latter is creaser block inserts 255 so that the blank ends which lie over the creaser blocks 255 are creased without damage to the material by cutting or the like. The proper action is shown in Figs. 21 and 24. I

At the time that the double creasing action takes place, it is necessary to release the tab 3 from the grip ofthe tab gripper I11. This is done by causing the follower I89 to contact with a stationary cam 29I (Fig. 24). This gripper only temporarily opens, and recloses short- 1y after ceasing its operation. It is not again reopened until the other stationary cam I9I is reached. In connection with the above operation it should be noted that the tube or blank has left its position under the hold-down bars 20I which end at point B, thus exposing the whole lower face (with glue thereon in U-shape) to the action of said creaser blades 261, as shown in Fig. 23).

First flap folder and paste? (Figs. 7, 24, and 26) The next procedure is to lay down the trailing flap I3 over the upper ends of the legs of the U-shape of glue on the bottom of the partially formed bag. This is accomplished by a paster blade 293 which is located on a support 303. The support 303 is controlled by a crank 295 on shaft 296. The arm 295 carries a follower 291 engaging with a fixed cam 299. The forming or paster blade 293 needs normally to be in a position within the periphery of the spider so that it does not interfere with adjacent operating parts. Hence this blade 293 must first be forced outwardly from its inner position before it is forced forwardly to the position shown in Fig. 26. To do this there is provided a stationary cam 30I. This cam 30I is cooperated with by the pivoted support 303. Thus, as the crank 295 swings, the blade 293 is first directed outwardly, and thereafter by action of the bell crank 295 is driven forwardly (see Figs. 8 and 26).

Third holder (Figs. 7, 26, 28, and 30) After the follower 291 leaves the cam 299, the paster blade 293 moves quickly backwardly and inwardly to clear. Before this stage, the flaps I5 have passed under a third set of holddown bars 301 similar to the hold-down bars 20 I, similarly mounted on supports 309 and similarly adjusted by a rightand left-hand lead screw 3 controllable from a handwheel engaging portion 3I3 (Fig. 30).

Second flat folder and paster (Figs. 7, 2?, 28, 30, and 33) During folding over of the trailing flap I3, the leading flap II has sprung up to the'position shown in Figure 26, this being due to the creasing operation. Backward folding of this leading flap II from the position shown in Fig. 27 to that shown in Fig. 33 is accomplished by a spring leaf 3I4 extending laterally, the same being mounted upona bar 3I5 fastened to opposite sides of the frame 2|. The result of this operation is shown in Fig. 33 with the exception that Fig. 33 shows a crease which is not yet in the bottom when it leaves the spring blade 3I4.

Presser (Figs. 29 and 30) In the condition of Fig. 33 (without the central crease), the bottom face of the nearly completed bag blank is engaged by presser rolls 3I1 which are pressed against the bottom by springs 3I9. The presser rolls 3I1 are sectional and are splined to their supporting shafts 32I and by means of set screws. 323 are adapted to be assembled into various widths and su tably positioned for optimum operation on various blank widths. The shafts 32I carry gears 325 which are driven from the main gear 3|.

Final creaser (Figs. 7 and 28-33) The final operation consists in applying the central bottom crease 20 (Fig. 33). The device for this purpose consists of a cross shaft 321 having openings 329 therein adjacent to arms 33I, the latter being fixed to the shaft 321. The arms 33I are provided with guides 333 for accommodating slidable crossheads 335 which carry and control the direction of movement of creaser blade 331. Connecting rods 339 are articulated to the blade 331 and also to cranks 34I mounted on a crank shaft 343 borne in'said arms 33I. The crank shaft 343 carries a pinion 345 which meshes with a sector gear 341, the latter being carried on an arm 349 which is pivoted at 3 5I to one of the arms 33I. The arm 349 carries a follower 353 which cooperates with a stationary cam 355 carried on the side frame 2|.

The shaft 321 carries an endwise gear 351 which is adjustably fastened thereto by means of the slot-and-bolt fastener combination 359 controlled by adjusting jackscrews 36I (Fig. 31). This gear 351 meshes with the main gear 3I and thus the ,shaft 321 is driven.

The operation of the last creaser per se consists in the continuous turning of the shaft 321 which turns the armsv 33I and causes the follower 353 to traverse the cam 355. This oscillates the arm 349 as the shaft rotates and causes the sector 341 to rotate the pinion 345 ata high rate of velocity. The pinion 345 moves from a position at counterclockwise of the Fig. 29 position on its own axis through so that the crossheads 335 are driven quickly outwardly and inwardly and driving the blade 331 in between the passing jaws I01, I09, and out again. Fig. 29 shows 'a mid-stroke position. At this time, the jaws are slightly and temporarily opened by contact of the follower I31 with an adjustable fixed cam 363. This cam 363 is an auxiliary to the cam I39 and is placed at the region of said cam I39 which causes final opening of the jaws I01, I09. It is desired to delay the final opening slightly after the operation of cam 363 so that after withdrawal of the creaser blade, there is a slight inward motion of the jaws to positively determine a good bottom crease.

From this point, the follower I 31 rides up on the high point of the cam I39 to open the movable jaw I09 from the fixed jaw I01, thus releasing the finished bag, as illustrated in Fig. 28.

The purpose of the last creaser mechanism is to obtain a positioning of the creaser blade adjacent to the jaws I01, I09 and as the jaws open slightly, to obtain the quick inward thrust of the blades 331 between the jaws to effect the crease 20 and cause the fiaps II and I3 to become positioned adjacent one another as shown in Fig. 34.

Take-017 conveyor and flattener (Figs. 1-3 and 7) The released bag falls upon a conveyor belt 365 which has an upper reach 361 frictionally engaging a lower reach 369 of a second presser belt 31I. The belts after a period of contact again separate at point 313 where the bags are ejected as shown in Fig. 2. This has the effect of pressing the bags into a relatively fiat condition and determining proper setting of the glue. The presser belt 31I is driven by an independent drive 

